2020: PARIS, THE WORLD CYCLING CAPITAL

Environmentally friendly, cheap, healthy and surprisingly convenient for navigating perilously congested city streets, Paris by bike is becoming the preferred mode of transport for more and more people in Paris. Paris wants to become the World Cycling Capital in 2020! Thanks to the policy of the Paris City Council, the bicycle is gaining ground also on the streets with more than 200 km of bike routes and additional 70 km of bus lanes also accessible to cyclists. The City’s ambitious goal is to double these digits and reach a 15% of trips made by bicycle by 2020 (vs 5% today).

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DISCOVERING PARIS BY BIKE

Bike Routes and DIY Bike Tours

Where to go by bike in Paris?

A free “Paris à Vélo” map,like the one below, is available at all tourist information centers.

A good option for visitors who want to discover Paris by bike and have fun is to join the weekly free rides proposed by Paris Rando Vélo association. These Paris by bike rides happen every Friday evening and every 3rd Sunday of the month. The meeting point is always Hôtel de Ville and the rides last around 2 hours (20-24 km). There is no inscription, you just need to be there on time and listen to the itinerary description proposed by the organizers and security information.

If you prefer a DIY bike tour, check out our blog. We have some cool proposals to discover Paris and its surroundings by bike and we give you all the bike route details and other tips. We go on exploring the City of Light for you!

Cycle Route Planner and other Bike Applications

If you have decided where to go already, you can use this cool cycle route planner which allows bikers to prepare their bike routes in advance (recommended itinerary, safest itinerary . .) and calculates the time to go from A to B. To be used without moderation 😉

For our everyday bike rides, we like to use this (free) mobile application, maps.me. It works offline but you need to download the maps (e.g. Paris and Ile de France) previously. The application shows the best itinerary and calculates the time to reach your target, even if the times are “very sporty”.

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BIKE RENTAL PARIS

No matter for how long you are visiting Paris, you can have your own bike to discover the City of Light on your own path. Paris has many bike rental proposals, you just need to choose the one that fits you best.

Velib Paris

Velib Paris is the public bike share system in Paris, available 24h/7d and with more than 1.800 Velib Stations spaced every 300 meters across the capital. You have different Velib bikes hiring options, from 1.7€ day tickets to 8€ weekly tickets or 29€ yearly subscriptions. These tickets give you access to any Velib bike in the city and the first 30 minutes of your ride are free. Return the Velib bike to any Velib Station before 30 minutes are up, wait a few minutes and then check out a new Velib bike to avoid expensive excess time charges. A leisurely ride from the Eiffel Tower (Paris 7) to the Louvre Museum (Paris 1), for example, takes 15 minutes which is faster than taking the bus or subway.

Finally, if you want to plan better your bike rides in the city you can find the Velib Map with all the Velib Stations on this link here. This Velib Map also tells you how many Velib bikes are left on a specific Velib Station.

New ! Since June 2016 le p’tit vélib (=little Velib Paris) is here for young Parisians! Learn more about these new Velib bikes for children between the ages of 2 and 8 years (4 different bike sizes).

Other Bike Rental Paris

If you prefer a bicycle which is more adapted to your needs, there are many bike rental stores in the city. The price for renting a bike for a whole day is around 15€/day. This option is also convenient if you decide to do long bike rides outside Paris, where there are not Velib Stations.

BUYING A BIKE, WHY NOT?

If you are thinking about an extended stay in the City of Light why not exploring Paris by bike with your own bicycle, that bike perfect for YOU? You can buy your bike in Paris and sell it quite easily before leaving the city. Also, you may fall in love with your new bike and decide to take your French wheels home.

L’Hirondelle – Bike Shop, 103 rue Blomet Paris 75015. Open on Monday from 10h30 to 18h and Tuesday to Saturday from 10h30 to 19h30.

Of course, there are other bike stores in Paris. You can find all the addresses here.

Vintage bikes

Paris has got right into the retro trend! For any urban gal or guy on the go, the hunt for the perfect bicycle is almost a rite of passage. In this day and age, cycling has become both an ergonomic lifestyle and an international fashion zeitgeist. The city of Paris is no exception and Parisians like to ride on fashionable bikes, being vintage bikes the trend of the moment.

Add a vintage touch to your Parisian days and explore the City of Light with style, you can buy a vintage bike in totally awesome bike shops in Paris or just buy it online from your computer.

18 Vélo Vintage, 58 rue du Ruisseau Paris 75018. It opens from Tuesday to Friday from 17.00 to 20.00 and on Saturday from 12.00 to 20.00. Inspired by 80’s, their vintage bikes are flashy with trendy collector items. http://velo-vintage.com/index.html

New !World in Paris Vintage Corner. For us, vintage is more than a temporary trend, it is a state of mind.Have look at our online Vintage Corner where vintage bikes have a special place.

Light and handy: the Folding Bike

A folding bike makes a great travel companion for people on extended stays in the City of Light. This kind of bicycle rides and shifts as smoothly as a fancy full-size touring bike. Only 15 kgs, it packs into a wheeled suitcase and does not take up much space in the hotel room. We like the retro-looking Brompton folding bicycle (designed in the 1960s) and available in different bike shops in Paris. We also like the Schwinn 20-inch Loop Folding Bike , available on Amazon.com

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WHERE TO PARK YOUR BIKE: VELIGO

During the day you can park your bicycle almost everywhere as long as you have a good and robust padlock. During the night, leaving a good bike outside can be an issue. To solve this the City Council in partnership with SNCF and RATP (the train and RER companies) are implementing the service Veligo. Veligo is a kind of secured deposit for bikes opened 24h/24h and always close to the Parisian train stations. The idea is to equip Paris with more bike-parks and to favor the combination of velo + RER for longer journeys. These Veligo deposits are available after paying an annual subscription of 20€ and having a valid Navigo card. More information about Veligo here

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WHEN THINGS GO WRONG

Even if rental bicycles are checked periodically or you explore with your brand new bike s*!XX!it happens and you can get stuck in the middle of Paris.

New !If your bike has problems and you are far from your favorite shop you can call Cyclofix, a new business born in Paris less than one year ago but very successful already. The concept is very simple: the Cyclofix guys ride to the biker’s location (at home or wherever he got stuck) to repair his bike on site. So no more need to leave your bike in a shop for 24-48 hours to be repaired, how cool is that?

New !Another cool service that just opened a few months ago is the café-vélo La Chouette (20 rue du Château d’Eau, Paris 75010), a café-bike store where you can have your bike repaired while enjoying your café & croissant in a very nice atmosphere. Very Parisian!

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BIKE FESTIVALS

PARIS BIKE FESTIVAL 2017: 12-14 May 2017 @ Hipodrome Longchamps. A fair for professional and amateurs, it will be the perfect occasion to see the novelties for all kind of bicycle and its equipment.

TRAVERSÉE DE PARIS EN ANCIENNES: beginning of January. Originally this is a vintage cars’ festival but there are also vintage bikes and motorbikes with its vintage riders of course!

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TIPS TO FULLY ENJOY PARIS BY BIKE

The City Council is doing a big effort to promote the use of bicycles in Paris but there is still a long way to overtake other bike-friendly cities like Berlin or Amsterdam. In our opinion, more “bicycle pedagogy” is necessary in Paris, especially amongst the car drivers who tend to open their car doors without checking if there is a biker coming behind!

Even if you have been biking all your life, please take a couple of minutes to read our tips & advice for cycling in Paris included in this Paris by bike guide :

CHECK regularly the condition and pressure of your tires to avoid any incident. Also check your brakes regularly and the bike light, especially if you want to ride at night.

RESPECT the highway code, like any other vehicle. Advertise your maneuvers and changes of direction in advance and do not take unnecessary risks.

Unlike American cities, where cyclists obey the same rules as vehicles, Parisian cyclists observe separate rules of the road. The general rule is to stick to marked bike paths, which variously and confusingly go with or against traffic, move from sidewalks to streets and back. These bike paths are dedicated for bicycles only or may be shared with taxis and buses so stay vigilant.

LEARN the Paris signaling. For clarity and security, the City of Paris has created a specific signaling. Thus, cyclists can easily identify bus lanes where they cannot move. These corridors are explicitly signaled by signs located under the signs.

These new signs below are located under the traffic lights. The yellow arrow shows the biker the direction to take after the crossing (to the right or straight ahead).

Example: the traffic light is red for cars but the panel authorizes bikers to turn on the right. This authorization does not give any rights to cyclists: they are not the priority. To cross the red light, cyclists should exercise caution and respect in all circumstances the priority given to other road users, particularly pedestrians that they must always give way. If the panel does not exist, bikers must stop at the red traffic light.

Parisians are famous for breaking the rules so watch out for scooters (they like to use bicycle lanes from time to time) and pedestrians (sometimes they just don’t respect red traffic lights). You are warned.

REMEMBER that in Paris city buses have priority. Be very careful when approaching a bus stop riding after a bus, the bus can brake suddenly. A bus parked at a stop can also get back on track at any time. To avoid danger, keep a good safety distance and never overtake a bus on the right.

And last but not least, avoid drinking alcohol before biking in Paris, you will need all your neurons “on”!

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PARIS BY BIKE GUIDE – FINAL NOTE

If you need more information (courses, guided rides, reparation workshops . .) about Paris Cycling, you can visit LA MAISON DU VÉLO, located just in front of Opéra de la Bastille (37 Bd Bourdon, Paris 4). La Maison du Vélo opens Tuesday to Saturday from 10h to 13h and from 14h to 18h.

At the beginning cycling in Paris may look a little bit scary but after a couple of days you will get used to it and you will have a great time. We truly believe that biking is the best way to discover Paris and we hope this post will encourage you to take a (or your) bike in the City of Light. Now that you have read this Paris by bike guide you are ready to go and enjoy! : -)

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WorldInParis

I would love to explore Paris on bike as I have only done it on foot in the past. I have done a lot of bike tours and think they are great way of seeing a city. Not sure if I would trust myself not to get lost if I was cycling on my own in Paris!! It would be nice though to see some places a bit further out though and cycle more in the countryside.

WorldInParis

06/03/2017 at 9:35 pm

There are free bike tours every week, starting at Hotel de Ville. That could help to trust yourself cycling in Paris 🙂

What a fantastic guide! I have been to Paris sooooo many times but now I want to go back just so I can do it by bike! Plus wouldn’t mind eating some delicious pastries again haha

WorldInParis

06/03/2017 at 9:37 pm

It is another way to explore the city, Kayla. So perfect for a Paris connaisseur like you, I would say 😉

Barb

05/30/2017 at 9:44 am

This sounds like a great idea to explore Paris by bike. My friend has a scooter and we were getting around with a scooter last time I was there. A bike is even a better option because it allows me to get some exercise as well. I will try it out on my next visit.

WorldInParis

I am impressed that Paris has all of these biking options. It’s all about eco living. I love it! It’s more enjoyable to explore a city when you bike. I like that the little ones can also join in the fun. I would keep in this mind when I visit Paris someday.

WorldInParis

06/03/2017 at 9:43 pm

I also enjoy exploring new cities by bike, especially if they are well equipped for them. Thanks for your comment 🙂

Wow, I never though of visiting Paris by bike! There are quite some hills around Montmartre if I remember right, but at least one can be sightseeing and doing something for the health at the same time! I love that wintage bike in the picture!

WorldInParis

06/19/2017 at 12:22 pm

Well, YES, Montmartre is probably not the best neighborhood to explore by bike but the rest of Paris is quite flat 🙂

Paris is so charming and there is so much to see and experience in this romantic city. Biking through the city would indeed be ab absolute pleasure. We were not able to do this when we were there last, hope to make amends next time. This article is going to be very useful resource for us, will bookmark for sure.

WorldInParis

06/10/2017 at 4:20 pm

Thanks Sandy. I am sure you will enjoy Paris by bike if there is another time for you in the city of light 🙂

WorldInParis

Getting a bike is usually one the first things we do when we arrive in a new city, it’s definitely the best way to explore and discover hidden gems!

WorldInParis

06/20/2017 at 9:56 am

Totally agree with you, Nic 🙂

Megan Jerrard

05/27/2017 at 1:37 pm

Thanks for the cycling map and notes on where to pick up bike rentals – interesting to hear that Paris wants to become the World Cycling Capital in 2020 … I think they may have some stiff competition in Amsterdam, but nothing is impossible! Will be interesting to see if Paris can knock the Holland cycling capitol from their throne! 😀

WorldInParis

We’ve explored a bit the Netherlands on a bike but never Paris. What a fun, eco-friendly and uncommon idea! Bucketlisted for my next trip, this will be so useful!

WorldInParis

06/22/2017 at 9:58 am

Cool that you liked it. Thanks for your nice comment, Dany 🙂

Danik

05/27/2017 at 11:06 am

I have to admit as I used to live there (many many moons ago), I wouldn’t consider cycling in Paris. But has it improved in recent times. Its worst than London. and I hate cycling in London despite efforts of improving safety etc. I much prefer to take the strolls through the suburbs. 🙂

WorldInParis

05/31/2017 at 8:30 pm

Danik, biking life is changing in Paris. Maybe you will change your mind when you visit the city again 🙂

WorldInParis

I am so happy to found this post. In my opinion travel by bicycle it is the best way to really see all the city/country and not just the tourist parts. I did it in Amsterdam (easy) and now I am going to Paris in the end of March for the second time and with your help with this post I will be able to know how to cycle around 🙂

WorldInParis

This is indeed a wealth of information on bicycling in Paris. I would love to cover Paris by bicycle in a leisurely manner and soak in its atmosphere. The last time we were there we had to rush through and hence could not do this. Hope to do this next time around 🙂

I explored Paris by foot. Wish I had thought about bike then , I could have covered more. The foldable bike does seem like a good option.

WorldInParis

11/02/2016 at 12:28 pm

The foldable bike would allow you to use your own bike everywhere in the world, it fits in a normal suitcase so why not? 😉

Sally

10/29/2016 at 6:26 am

I love hiring a bike when I am overseas, it is such a great way to get around. I had no idea Paris was the world cycling capital but I can see why. It is such a beautiful city and what better way to see it!

WorldInParis

10/29/2016 at 4:59 pm

Paris wants to become the world cycling capital but there is still much to do to reach its goal

WorldInParis

[…] As soon as we arrived in the city, we were determined to hire bikes to ride along the river. This is pretty easy in Paris as they have Vélib bike stations located all around where you can take out a bike, ride it across the city and then take it back elsewhere. As long as you return it within half an hour this is completely free, other than a deposit of $150 each that is returned to you. (More on this later… stupid damn deposit). We actually found it quite hard to work the Vélib system but it was lovely to cycle around Paris once we’d figured it out. For a full guide on Paris by bike check out this amazing and super comprehensive article. […]

WorldInParis

I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again – cycling is such a fantastic way to see Paris! Great guide. I love the Velib system, I was so impressed by it on my last visit to Paris. They should do that more around the world!

WorldInParis

Cycling would be such a fun way to see Paris! I’ll have to rent a bike next time I visit. Also, great info because sometimes biking in European cities can be confusing and knowing what are the rules of the roads is tricky

WorldInParis

I wouldn’t have thought about biking in Paris. What a great way to see the city! Sure beats driving or the Metro where you don’t see much between stops. These are great tips to get the most out of biking in Paris!

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We are independent travelers and restless souls with a passion for our own city, the City of Lights. Quirky explorers with a preference for the local side of Paris and its less known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of Paris & beyond. Keep clicking for first-hand information, best tips & tons of inspiration to enjoy Paris Like a Local.